Warning: This procedure does NOT apply to overseas departments. (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion and French Guyana)

Long stay visa and residence permit in France

If your visa is delivered:

You will have to apply for the residence permit ("carte de séjour") within 2 months of entry, at the Préfecture of city of residence.

Note that it is always advisable to contact the Préfecture BEFORE leaving the U.S., in order to get a complete list of documents to provide to apply for such permit.

Please note that the new regulations applicable from the 1st of June 2009 will require a longer processing time to issue long stay visas that will serve as first residence permits.

What is a visitor visa?

The "visitor" visa (or visa "D") allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months.

You need a long stay "visitor" visa if you have sufficient income to stay in France without working (retired, sabbatical year…)

Do I need a visa?

YES, everyone needs a long stay visa to live in a French territory for more than 3 months, including US and European Union citizens.

Processing time

1 to 3 months

Requirements

You must provide the original documents plus 1 photocopy of each document submitted with the application. Please, note you must present a French translation of every document when for a long stay visa for a French overseas Territory.
You are also required to provide the documents in the order listed below and as such: original + 1 copy, original + 1 copy, and so on.

You must bring your documents and the required copies otherwise your visa will automatically be denied :

Original passport (+ ONE COPY of the identity pages)
Must be valid for at least three months after your return to the US Has least two blank pages left to affix the visa (amendment pages are not - suitable for visas).
Has been delivered less than 10 years ago (first issuance)
Be in good condition.

Refugee travel documents and US Re-entry permits are not accepted. Diplomatic and special passports are not accepted

Three (3) long stay visa application forms filled out completely and signed by the applicant. Please remember to indicate a date of departure from the US to France on question number 26.

Two (2) ID pictures. Do not glu or staple. All photographs must be recent, in color on a plain white background, of full front view, taken facing the camera. No side or angled view are acceptable. Passport size. No hat, no veil.

If you are not a U.S. citizen: A valid U.S. permanent residence card ("green card") or a valid U.S. visa with valid I-94 or valid I-20 (original + 1 photocopy).

Recent Police clearance to be obtained from local police station

Letter promising not to engage in any paid activity in a French overseas Territory

Proof of medical coverage abroad : a letter from your insurance company stating that you are covered abroad or a travel insurance to be purchased from a travel agency (minimum amount of 50,000 US$). The letter must stipulate that the coverage is valid outside the U.S, worldwide or overseas ("out of area" is not acceptable).